Woman in Japan race

A right-wing female nationalist has vaulted into the contest to become Japan’s next prime minister by gaining the support of a former PM.

If Sanae Takaichi, 60, wins the election this month to the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, she will be Japan’s first female leader.

According to the Japanese media she has secured the support of Shinzo Abe, the country’s longest-serving prime minister, who stepped down a year ago because of ill health.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, 72, is not standing for reelection after support for him collapsed over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic.